FN FNX45 vs Springfield XDM Elite vs Beretta M9A3 - which would you buy?

[aimcat]

Looking for a gift for someone special and I know any of these guns he will like, but which one would you choose? The FN and XDM are FDE color the Beretta is black....he loves the FDE color, but the Beretta looks like a gun he would love. What are your thoughts? Which would you pick....pricing is as such....FNX45 950-1000, Beretta 1000, XDM Elite 630.

[FreedomFries]

M9A3 will probably be the overwhelming preference here among the three. However, in my short time here, I've noticed that hammer fired traditional double action pistols are much more popular here than among gun owners in general. The original color the M9A3 was released in was FDE, so I would think it would be easier to find the FDE version than black.

[OlongJohnson]

Beretta by miles. The final iteration of something that has stood the test of time. Our country's service sidearm for 35 years, and another ten years of production and development before that. The cosmetics of the design go back to the '50s.

The others are second-tier efforts at plastic people poppers by companies that have earned strong reputations for such things. In my mind, FN is about Hi Powers and rifles and Springfield is about 1911s.

[JTQ]

Perhaps the M9A3 at the local store is black, but I suspect the FDE version is more common.

The original color the M9A3 was released in was FDE, so I would think it would be easier to find the FDE version than black.
Beretta M9A3 https://www.beretta.com/en-us/m9a3/

I can't see a post about an FNX and not think of this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdTsFB1ejo8

It's probably only with that one particular gun with those particular circumstances, but it's still out there.

[aimcat]

Let me ask this these are his other hand guns I know one is a sig...i want something that will be a little different.

55322

[Duelist]

Beretta.

[Nephrology]

I'm assuming this is a specific list of guns that this person wants which you have somehow acquired.

If so, and money truly is no object, I'd probably get the Beretta. You won't find a lot of love for the XDm or FNX series of pistols here.

That said, if these 3 pistols are the only guns on his wishlist, I'd probably just get him whichever is cheapest as it sounds like he'll love whatever you buy :D


Let me ask this these are his other hand guns I know one is a sig...i want something that will be a little different.

55322

All 3 of those look like SIG Sauer pistols to me. Seems like he would really like another SIG.

If you forced me to buy a new SIG, I'd probably buy this one: https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/handguns/sig-sauer-sp2022-9mm-luger-39in-black-nitron-pistol-101-rounds/p/p41612

[CalAlumnus]

Yep, Beretta is the way to go.

If you can, you might explore whether another Beretta model might be better. There’s the new 92X, as well as the Elite LTT. He may not be aware of them, and if it were me, I’d choose one of those over the M9A3 (unless he specifically needs a threaded barrel or something).

[aimcat]

Hes wanting something diff besides a sig. The only prob with the Beretta is its not fde which he requested.

[JTQ]

The only prob with the Beretta is its not fde which he requested.


Perhaps the M9A3 at the local store is black, but I suspect the FDE version is more common.

Beretta M9A3 https://www.beretta.com/en-us/m9a3/

[Hambo]

Hes wanting something diff besides a sig. The only prob with the Beretta is its not fde which he requested.

Black or FDE options.

https://www.gearfire.com/beretta/?search=M9A3

ETA the correct link.

[marinedoc]

Guns are like running shoes. I used to run a lot of marathons and people were always asking me what running shoe to get. You can't tell someone what works for them. Too many variables. They'll just have to try one and if it doesn't work, buy another pair. So try to trick him into saying, in casual conversation, what gun he would like to have that he doesn't have. This shouldn't be too hard to do. If he says a Wilson EDC x9, well, you may have to get him a good knife. This could be a fun project if done right, but an expensive waste of money if a poor choice is made.

[aimcat]

Sorry i mean the one I can get locally is black. I have yo have by friday so no time to order. What would be the runner up to the beretta?

[psalms144.1]

Of those three, the Beretta every day and twice on Sunday. They're simply light years better than either of the other options. Color is not that important, compared to accuracy, reliability, shooting comfort, and overall build quality.

[Hambo]

Sorry i mean the one I can get locally is black. I have yo have by friday so no time to order. What would be the runner up to the beretta?

I'd wait for the Beretta. ;) If there were only two pistols left in the world, and they were the two on your list, I'd probably take the XDM because of the FN mag well video.

[JTQ]

I have yo have by friday so no time to order.
You sound like me shopping at the last minute for my wife for her birthday, Christmas, Anniversary, etc.;)

If you can't get the actual gun you want within your time frame, I'd be more inclined to give a picture of the gun with a card telling him this is what he's going to get to hold him over until the gun arrives, rather than choose something I didn't think he really wanted.

On the other hand, if you think he'd prefer something else, don't let us try to talk you into a Beretta. You know him better than we do.

[aimcat]

So basically if I get one you guys are all saying get the Beretta even in black? What color would you pick? The beretta is the one that comes in the special case?
Would the beretta be over the sigs he has?

[FreedomFries]

All 3 of those look like SIG Sauer pistols to me. Seems like he would really like another SIG.

Looks like the special someone primarily buys Sig. Although they are all Sig, these three all are different action types (TDA, SFA, SAO), so it's hard to know more about this person's preference aside from the Sig brand. In the OP's position, I guess I would ask which one gets the most range time and find something mechanically similar to that (or a duplicate copy of the same pistol). However, if none of them get that much range time, then I would just buy whatever is cheapest.

[JTQ]

Would the beretta be over the sigs he has?
You probably can't get it by Friday (maybe you can, though), but since you're in the price range, I think the folks on the forum may recommend the Beretta 92 Elite LTT from Langdon Tactical, if you're looking for something better than the SIGs.

https://www.langdontactical.com/92-elite-ltt-full-size/

[Caballoflaco]

90% of people on this forum aren’t going to pick a gun based on color.

Having said that, I like Hambo’s idea of giving a picture of the FDE Beretta if color is an important part of the purchase for you or him. I would rather wait a month or two for a beretta than own an FN or XDM.

[Caballoflaco]

Let me ask this these are his other hand guns I know one is a sig...i want something that will be a little different.

55322

Is this going to be a surprise? Because for a lot of people guns are the type of personal thing that sometimes don’t work out well as a surprise. Please consider this to supercede my previous advice, but I think your best bet might be an invite for a joint trip to the gun store so he can pick out what he wants. I would dig it if an SO ever does something like that for me.

The only possible downside to that is that stock may be low depending on what part of the country you’re in.

[aimcat]

Not a total suprise im going off of things he has showed me or mentioned. Another to add in the mix that was mentioned that I forgot about and totally diff that the others chiappa rhino 60da

[CalAlumnus]

Yeah, based on that photo, I see one DA/SA, one striker-fired, and one single action only. That’s a lot of variety.

Some hobbyists really enjoy variety, but most folks here prefer to standardize around one system and become expert at it (while being familiar with others, of course).

I’d really be inclined to let him pick what he wants—honestly, it probably shouldn’t be the FNX or XD, but might be a different Beretta (92X or Elite LTT).

[Removed concerns about gifting guns.]

[ReverendMeat]

Also, I’m not sure of the legality of you purchasing a gift. The background check form 4473 asks you to confirm that the purchase is for you and not for someone else. You may find a skittish store clerk won’t sell to you if he finds out its for someone else. My years in CA trained me to be wary of even coming close to the line when it comes to firearms... The standard recommendation was to give cash, rather than perform a background check on yourself when the gun is actually for someone else.

It states explicitly on the 4473 that gift giving is perfectly legal.

Regardless, OP, don't buy guns as gifts. You can't return them. Get a gift card.

[vcdgrips]

Late to the party. Beretta. Mag price/availability and factory support would be reasons enough.

As others have said, take him a pic of what is en route if the color is really driving the train.



Edited to add: I feel so strongly re the Beretta being the no brainer choice-if you send me these OEM Grip panels, I will texture them for 8.50 which is the cost of shipping in a flat rate box USPS Priority CONUS.

https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/m9a3-thin-grips-ud5a1499plusud5a1500/jgm9a3s/

[aimcat]

Let me ask this between the beretta and factoring in the Chippa Rhino 60ds what are the thoughts? And yes i know the rhino is very niche.

[JonInWA]

Hands-down, Beretta. The other two aren't even in the same ballpark, in my opinion. Or send vcdgrips a FDE set of grip panels; his grip treatment is superb. Win-win.

Best, Jon

[TicTacticalTimmy]

Let me ask this between the beretta and factoring in the Chippa Rhino 60ds what are the thoughts? And yes i know the rhino is very niche.

This forum is for people who are serious about pistolcraft, and is therefore extremely biased in favor of practical options. By practical I mean durable, reliable, good aftermarket support, high performing, and good ergonomics.

The Beretta as a platform is the only one of those four that excels in the above criteria. If your asking which gun your friend should have as a serious use weapon, the answer (from those choices) is the Beretta. Period. Full stop.

Having said that, if your friend is looking for a gun NOT for serious use, but for fun, then the above criteria are much less crucial, because what makes a gun "fun" is entirely subjective. Personally I think the FNX and Rhino are both seriously cool, especially the Rhino. I would enjoy owning either, though I likely wouldnt have any practical purpose for them, and that is why I have not bought either of them.

Since the criteria of what makes a gun "fun" is subjective. A bunch of strangers on the internet cannot give you any useful info your friend couldnt give you himself.

My advice would be to give him a cool picture of an FDE M9A3 and let him wait a week for the one you order to arrive. Then you are giving two gifts: the gun and the anticipation of receiving it.

[CalAlumnus]

It states explicitly on the 4473 that gift giving is perfectly legal.

Regardless, OP, don't buy guns as gifts. You can't return them. Get a gift card.

Thanks for the correction!

If he wants a FDE gun, the Glock 19X or Sig M17/M18 would be better choices than the XD. These guns competed to be the new service pistol for the US Army (the Sig won).

[aimcat]

He has also mentioned a glock 26. So my final choices - glock 26, chiappa rhino 60ds or beretta. Lol

[Joe in PNG]

A Glock 26 would be a pretty good option.

[Clusterfrack]

CZ P-07 comes in FDE, or at least it used to. Also, I agree that a Glock 19 or 19X would be a great choice.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200604/5fac7778942c2e07324bb0c6b16654a2.jpg

[CalAlumnus]

He has also mentioned a glock 26. So my final choices - glock 26, chiappa rhino 60ds or beretta. Lol

The Glock 26 is a great gun. However, it’s a striker-fired 10-round subcompact, and he already has one of those in his P365. Actually, the Beretta has the same issue—he already has a full-size metal-frame DA/SA in his P226.

Glock 19/19X and Sig M17/M18/P320 would better fill the holes in his lineup. The CZ P-07 could be a good option, too.

[OlongJohnson]

Since he already has the Sig Mk25 (also called the P226, it's the big one with the little anchor sticker on it), there really isn't much between that and the Beretta. Slightly different flavors of the same thing. Beretta has a lower bore axis, but its decocker/safety is pretty much the opposite. The Sig is probably the most ergonomic, easy-to-use and automatic decocker around, the Beretta is the opposite. I strongly prefer that aspect of classic Sigs.

The Mk25 still has the OE oval-section plastic grip panels. I put these https://www.hogueinc.com/handgun-grips/sig-sauer-grips/p226/p226-da-sa/extreme-series-g10/sig-sauer-p226-checkered-g10-black or a variation of them on all my classic Sigs. The change in cross section of the grip is dramatic in the hand, and I greatly prefer them. In addition to the improved texture, the sides are flatter and the curvature across the back wider and fuller. On the P226, it basically feels like someone took a mold of my hand - it's perfect.

The grips are also available for the Beretta, but honestly, if I already had the Mk25/P226, I'd be happier to be given a set of the grips I linked, a stack of magazines, a quality belt and holster and a case of ammo over a Beretta M9A3.

The FN and the Springfield are a step down in quality and desirability from all three of the guns he already has.

[GJM]

These “this versus this versus this” type threads are getting tiresome and dragging down the general discourse at PF. Maybe I should start a thread asking which color Glock I should carry tomorrow?

55336

[Bigghoss]

I bought the M9A3 myself. As well as a MK25 P226 like what your friends already has. I also have a Glock 26, can't go wrong with a 9mm Glock for a quality handgun but as a present they're a little too practical for my style of gift giving.

[falar]

M9A3.

I didn't keep my FNX 45 Tactical long, I really wasn't impressed. I guess I fell for the novelty of 14+1 in .45 instead of the usual 12 or 13 and regretted it.

[aimcat]

Another shop near me has a p320 x-vtac since you mentioned that?

QUOTE=CalAlumnus;1059545]The Glock 26 is a great gun. However, it’s a striker-fired 10-round subcompact, and he already has one of those in his P365. Actually, the Beretta has the same issue—he already has a full-size metal-frame DA/SA in his P226.

Glock 19/19X and Sig M17/M18/P320 would better fill the holes in his lineup. The CZ P-07 could be a good option, too.[/QUOTE]

[CalAlumnus]

Another shop near me has a p320 x-vtac since you mentioned that?

That would be an excellent choice. The X-Series grip on the P320 is generally preferred over the standard grip.

However, guns are personal. Since it wasn’t on his list, you might wish to take him to the gun store and say “the good folks at PF recommended these; take your pick.” Let him feel the grip in his hand, try out the trigger, etc.

[claymore504]

I would go for the Beretta M9A3. If he would really like the FDE version, look for it. They should not be hard to find. Next would be the FNX45. That is an outstanding 45 handgun. I really can't stand the xd line, so that would be hard for me to even buy for someone! LOL

If he appreciates fine DA/SA handguns, which I assume he does, I would also highly recommend a Beretta Elite LTT straight from LTT with a trigger job!

Since you mentioned CZ, I would recommend any of them! I own an SP-01 Tac 9mm, P07, P01 UG/SR and a few P09 handguns. All are excellent. FYI, the P07 comes in black, urban grey and OD Green now. They dropped the FDE option.

The X-VTAC would be excellent as well. Maybe a Sig M17 would be cool to have as well?


https://i.imgur.com/HWG9l73.jpg?1

[aimcat]

I've narrowed down to getting the sig v-tac 320, glock 26, glock 19, chiappa rhino 60ds, or maybe a .22.

[psalms144.1]

Your friend has a strong like of Sigs, so of your new "narrowed" list (which is longer than your initial list!), I'd say he might be happiest with the P320. As others have noted, if you can find an M17 commemorative, it's FDE.

After that, I'd opt for the G19 - it's a fullish sized striker fired pistol - a niche that's not "filled" in his current stable. I'd skip the G26, because as others have pointed out, the compact/sub compact striker fired pistol role is already filled by the P365.

I'd pass on the Rhino, but if you're just looking for something quirky that is "different" from his current pistols, it is that in spades.

There are WAY too many .22s (handguns and rifles) on the market to even START looking at those for a quick pick.

[CalAlumnus]

I've narrowed down to getting the sig v-tac 320, glock 26, glock 19, chiappa rhino 60ds, or maybe a .22.

A Glock 19 is probably the “right” buy, considering what he already owns.

The “fun” buy would be the V-Tac (great shooter, FDE), M17 (its the new issued sidearm of the US Army and is FDE), or 19X (combines a shorter Glock 19 slide with a longer Glock 17 grip and ammo capacity, and is widely viewed as a great shooter; also FDE).

[JonInWA]

Out of your narrowed list, VTAC P320 or Glock G19. Best, Jon

[vcdgrips]

From the narrowed list-G19 all day long. Reliability, robustness, availability of OEM mags, price of OEM mags, avai. and price of training mags (Magpul), avail. of holsters and mag pouches, avail of night sight options, avail of parts, ability to service in the field and


AVAILABILITY OF THE GADGET



Seriously, this solves the hardware issue. Move on to the software challenge re training etc.

[Gun Mutt]

aimcat, Don't leave us hanging...what did you pick???

[Catshooter]

Well as a .45 guy, not the Beretta.

As a gunsmith, and since the XD needs special tools I can't get (from the factory) it can go to hell.

FN 45 for the win.


Cat